Barney and the secret of the French spies, Jackie French

In 1798 orphaned Barney Bean now has a flourishing farm in the New South Wales colony and everything he ever dreamed of, except his childhood friend Elsie. But when Elsie falls ill and Barney rushes to be by her side, he finally learns the deadly secret she has been hiding. Who is this strange and beautiful girl who will not speak? And could France ever attack the isolated colony?

In 1798 orphaned Barney Bean now has a flourishing farm in the New South Wales colony and everything he ever dreamed of, except his childhood friend Elsie. But when Elsie falls ill and Barney rushes to be by her side, he finally learns the deadly secret she has been hiding. Who is this strange and beautiful girl who will not speak? And could France ever attack the isolated colony?